Hi Rachel! Welcome back to planDisney!
Your Disneyland Resort adventure is just around the corner. What perfect timing! With the
70th Anniversary Celebration lighting up the parks, you’re stepping into a season filled with nostalgia, magic, and unforgettable moments. I had the chance to experience the opening days of the celebration, and trust me, the energy is off the charts!
You’re absolutely right: the
“A Story of Celebration” guided tour includes reserved viewing for
Paint the Night on the evening of your tour. This special viewing area is located in Town Square Plaza, just across from the steps leading up to the
Disneyland Railroad Main Street Station. While seating isn’t provided, you’ll be able to settle in along the curb and enjoy a fantastic front-row view of the glowing procession as it passes through Main Street, U.S.A. A quick Q-Tip for you: even though the area is reserved, I recommend arriving a bit early. Tour guests from different time slots often join the same performance, so getting there ahead of time gives you a little more flexibility in picking your spot.
As for which performance of Paint the Night your tour group will attend, I called the Guest Information line and spoke with a helpful Cast Member named Stephanie. She explained that performance times can vary based on park operations, so a specific time isn’t guaranteed. That said, during my recent visit on May 16, tour guests were directed to the first showing of the evening. I’d suggest checking in with your Tour Guide when you arrive to confirm the timing for your day.
If you’d like an alternate viewing location for another night, I’ve got a personal favorite! Try the area across from the entrance to “it’s a small world.” It’s a charming, often less crowded spot to enjoy the first parade, and even better, you can stay right there afterward to catch
Wondrous Journeys with minimal crowd movement.
And don’t skip
A Tapestry of Happiness! This colorful projection show transforms the “it’s a small world” façade into a celebration of Disneyland history, with music and visuals that are pure joy. It’s a standout part of the 70th Anniversary celebration, and one I now try to see every visit.
Rachel, I hope this gets you even more excited for your trip! If any other questions come up, you know where to find us.
Wishing you a spectacular and sparkly visit,
David